Officers Bust 4 for Poaching Gamefish with Cast Nets

May 15, 2017

Game wardens in Georgia busted four men for allegedly poaching gamefish with cast nets at Lake Oconee. They had in their possession 120 gamefish caught illegally. One of the suspects had been previously busted for similar poaching.

Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division Facebook image

From Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division

Shortly after midnight on Saturday May 13th, Game Warden Ricky Boles encountered four men cast netting for game fish at a boat ramp on Lake Oconee [located in Central Georgia].

They had three cast nets in their possession and approximately 120 game fish along with some shad.

The fish and cast nets were confiscated by Boles and Cpl. Derrell Worth, who was not far away at the time, responded to assist Boles.

The four individuals were charged with "Taking Game Fish by Illegal Methods" and one was charged for "Fishing Without a License."

The individuals had an array of game fish including bream, crappie, catfish, and bass. It should be noted that Cpl. Worth and RFC Boles had charged one of the same four individuals earlier that afternoon for the same violation!